BigHit Music’s resident producer and renowned songwriter Pdogg recently got candid about working with BTS’ Jimin on the latter’s latest album, MUSE, in a new VMAGAZINE interview. The exclusive, rolled out on July 22, took fans behind the scenes in creating the idol’s second solo EP after the groundbreaking success of his solo debut album, FACE.
Apart from Pdogg, the interview also featured HYBE/BigHit Music’s performance director, Kim Minseong, and producer GHSTLOOP.
While FACE was a testament to Jimin’s foray into his artistic journey, MUSE expands upon previously established themes. It not only casts light on concepts of love but also the artist’s quest for self-discovery. In conversation with Pdogg, the interviewer asked him about his experience of working with Jimin on MUSE and if it differed from collaborating on FACE.
The producer revealed that the team started working on the new album when the choir session for FACE’s production was underway in LA. However, the Like Crazy singer approached the new project with a fresh perspective.
“There wasn’t a major difference in the way we worked on the albums. That’s largely because we began working on this album while we were all in LA for a choir session during the production of FACE. However, Jimin went into working on MUSE with a significantly different mindset.”
He added that Jimin was emotionally challenged owing to the pandemic, but when work began on MUSE, he returned with new vigor.
“During the production of FACE, he was emotionally struggling due to the pandemic. By the time we started on MUSE, he had already resolved some of those emotional struggles through FACE.”
According to Pdogg, LA’s easygoing atmosphere also aided the 28-year-old in creating feel-good music. He also admitted that the influence of various LA and NY producers and songwriters had impacted BTS’ Jimin to explore his artistic capabilities.
"Also, just being surrounded by the laid-back, chill vibe of LA allowed us to begin producing the feel-good songs. I also believe the experience of collaborating with various producers and songwriters in LA and NY gave Jimin the opportunity to further explore his limitless potential."
Even in the most recent episode of MMM (Mini & Moni Music), which premiered on July 20, Jimin unveiled how he had much fun while working on Rebirth (Intro) while recording in the US. In his conversation with BTS' RM, he recalled playing around with the piano when Pdogg heard the music. The latter asked Jimin to play it again, and that, in turn, became Rebirth (Intro).
Snippets from VMAGAZINE's interview with producers Pdogg, GHSTLOOP, and performance director Kim Minseong on BTS' Jimin's MUSE
The VMAGAZINE interview provided several insights into the making of BTS' Jimin's MUSE. While FACE presented a serious, darker undertone, the new album is all about cheerful vibes and love, a switch from its predecessor.
It involves a freshly envisioned take on love, confidence that seems transient, losing and finding oneself on a path of self-discovery, and more. Each of the seven tracks of MUSE carries an individual story and flavor, as explored in the interview.
While Rebirth (Intro) dives into the world of new love, Interlude: Showtime, with its parade band-like rhythm, seamlessly blends into the lively and upbeat Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (feat. Loco), aka SGMB.
While Sofia Carson and BTS' Jimin's alluring duet in Slow Dance is a new favorite among fans, the pre-release track that captured fans' hearts as Jimin's parting song for his military enlistment - Closer Than This - was also parceled with the album. As Be Mine brings in Afrobeats-infused rhythm, the title track Who is a search for one's true soulmate.
Performance director Kim Minseong praised the BTS vocalist's rich expressions and versatility as a dancer and performer. Kim revealed Jimin's passion for the songs he had in mind for MUSE even when he was promoting FACE.
"Although he was busy promoting the album (FACE), you could see it in his eyes how much affection and enthusiasm he had for them (the songs). There was so much he wanted to do with those songs and expressed eagerness to show his fans what now became the MUSE album."
In the exclusive piece, Pdogg further provided details about MUSE being loosely influenced by The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, which can also be witnessed in the SGMB music video. He elaborated on the various infused genres while talking about the sounds explored in the album.
"In terms of the sound, we tried to showcase a wide spectrum of genres ranging from 2000s hip-hop to R&B and afrobeats. If you listen to the album, you’d be able to hear how Jimin is continuing to expand his musical palette," Pdogg said.
GHSTLOOP further unraveled the creation of the title track Who, originating from Jimin's key question, "Where is my true love?" packing in a 2000s pop atmosphere. He shared BTS' Jimin's and his own affection for the final product that Who turned out to be.
In other news, MUSE is creating several waves since its release. Its song, Who, recently became the first and only song by a K-pop/Korean soloist in 2024 to debut on Apple Music Global (at #96). Jimin is also now the first and only Asian act to clinch #1 on the Global Digital Artist Ranking in 2024.
On July 23, BTS' Jimin also delivered an indelible performance of Who on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
